Many of us have memories of spending weeks at camp learning new things, making new friends, and exploring new possibilities. Summer camp is the epitome of childhood fun for thousands of kids each year.
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Camp No Limits provides the empowering camp experience for kiddos whose differences can feel like an obstacle in traditional camp settings. Camp No Limits proves that there is no reason limb differences should take away from the fun!
Established in 2004, Camp No Limits provides sleep-away camps for children with limb differences at 11 different locations. The camp employs physical and occupational therapy students from Quinnipac University, creating an enriching experiences for campers and counselors alike.
“When I was in school, we really had a very limited amount of time that was spent discussing amputees or individuals with limb differences,” said founder and executive director Mary Leighton.
The entire experience at Camp No Limits is inspiring. 11-yr-old Santino Lamunno shared about the way Camp No Limits eases social interaction.
“It feels nice because I don’t have to, like, explain what happened that often,” he said. “Because outside of camp, I’ll get a lot of questions like, ‘What happened?’ And I mean, I’ll explain it to them. But here, it’s better here, because I don’t have to.”
Camp No Limits was established in 2004 and has now reached over 1,400 children in 1,200 families. The families are a vital part of the Camp No Limits vision. Kids are often accompanied by family members who stay at the camp. Members of support systems are able to form relationships with other families in the community. One of the greatest impacts of Camp No Limits is forming a network of families who can lean on each other.
“There are other kids out there, but depending on what circles you travel in, you just don’t see them that often,” said Rosanne Keep, who accompanies her 12-yr-old daughter to camp. “It’s a good opportunity for her to meet some other kids, talk about, you know, what they’re going through, and also just as parents to meet other parents who are facing the same difficulties. It’s just good mentally.”
With the assistance of passionate therapy students, campers often leave Camp No Limits with new skills. 8-yr-old Anya, for example, left camp being able to ride a bike again, which she hadn’t done since losing her left leg to cancer.
Camp No Limits is making a substantial impact on every individual that it hosts. From the counselors who are developing skills, to the campers who are feeling inspiration, Camp No Limits achieves its mission to empower and connect individuals affected by limb differences.
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